How much did a Chevy Bel Air cost in 1950?
A new Chevy Bel Air in 1950 typically cost about $1,700 to $2,100, depending on body style and options.
The Bel Air was Chevrolet's upscale trim for that year, offered in several body configurations, with prices rising with features such as hardtops and convertibles. The exact sticker price varied by model and region, so dealers could adjust slightly based on options and packages.
Price range by body style
Prices varied by body style and trim; the Bel Air came in multiple configurations that carried different price points.
- 2-Door Sport Coupe
- 4-Door Sedan
- 2-Door Hardtop
- Convertible
In practice, the Bel Air price spanned the overall range noted above, with convertibles and hardtops typically at the higher end due to their added features and body construction.
What influenced the price in 1950
Several factors determined the final sticker price of a Bel Air in 1950, beyond the basic body style.
- Engine and drivetrain options (e.g., standard vs. upgraded powerplants)
- Choice of transmission (manual vs. automatic) and gearing
- Trim level and available packages (radio, heater, styling accessories)
- Body style selection (coupe, sedan, hardtop, convertible)
- Color, upholstery, and optional equipment
These elements collectively shaped the price that buyers saw at the showroom in 1950.
Historical context and sources
The Bel Air's price reflects postwar American consumer demand for stylish, mid-priced cars as the auto industry rebuilt. Factory brochures and period price guides provide the primary data points for exact numbers by model and region.
Notes on sources
Historical price data for 1950 Chevrolets commonly comes from period Chevrolet brochures, auto price guides, and collector references that compile factory MSRPs and dealer-quoted prices.
Summary
The Chevy Bel Air in 1950 typically cost about $1,700 to $2,100, with the exact figure depending on body style, drivetrain, and options. The model line illustrated Chevrolet's premium positioning within the brand, and prices varied by configuration and features. This snapshot reflects the broader postwar era when automakers offered more styling choices alongside modestly rising prices.
How much was a Chevy Bel Air in 1950?
At $1,741 the Bel Air was by far the most expensive coupe in the Chevy line-up for 1950, and almost as much as a convertible. The “hardtop convertible,” as the new body style was known to an eager public, outsold the ragtop convertible by a two-to-one margin, with 76,662 Bel Airs produced in the first year alone.
How much did a Chevy Bel Air cost in 1956?
A 1956 Chevy Bel Air cost new ranged from approximately $2,025 for the base two-door sedan to about $2,608 for the two-door Nomad wagon. The two-door sedan was the least expensive model, while the Nomad wagon was the most costly. The specific price depended on the body style.
- Two-door sedan: $2,025 (least expensive)
- Two-door hardtop: Approximately $2,450
- Two-door Nomad wagon: $2,608 (most expensive)
How much did a car cost in 1950?
In 1950, a new car cost around $1,510, though prices varied significantly depending on the model. For example, a new Henry J was about $1,299, while a new Ford Custom was around $1,511, and a new Pontiac Catalina was roughly $2,127.
- Average new car: Approximately $1,510.
- Henry J: Around $1,299.
- Ford Custom: Approximately $1,511.
- Pontiac Catalina: About $2,127.
- Dodge Coronet: About $1,927.
- Cadillac DeVille: Around $3,523.
What was the original price of a Bel Air?
$1,741
First-year production reached only 76,662 models built. The car cost $1,741 and weighed 3,225 lb (1,463 kg).
